University of Washington Tacoma Staff Association
Minutes from the October 18, 2007 General Meeting

Those that attended this potluck general meeting were:  Michelle Hartman, Renee Smith Nyberg, Jennifer Burley, Laura Delval, Zaide Chavez, Fiona Johnson, Dannah Madden, Deana Holmes, Heather Hucks, Melody Fergusen, Erica Coker, Sam Loftin, Linda Gilbert, Marcie Pierson, Donna Plummer, Alison Navarrete, Tracey Norris, Noreen Lease, Serin Anderson, Brian Anderson, Lorna Fernandez, Naarah McDonald, Nyeva Bembry, Jill Danseco, Kim Davenport.

• Introduction/Welcome to New Staff Members
  • Lorna Fernandez introduced all new staff:  Elise Ralph, VC for Sponsored Research; Robert Hand, Maintenance Mechanic 1-Facilities; Alison Navarrete, Program Admin, Education; Michele Brittany, Fiscal Tech 2-Finance; Nyeva Bembry, Freshman Recruiter/Adviser, Admissions & Outreach; Michael Crosby, Data Projects Analyst, Institutional Research/Planning; Julie Draper, Student Affairs Specialist; Niki Sullivan, Student Publications Manager, Student Affairs; Renee Smith Nyberg, HR/OD Manager, Finance; Erica Coker, OA3, Admissions Advising & Outreach.
• Give an update on recent Hunger Walk event
  • Naarah McDonald reported that the event brought in a little over $400 to be donated.
• Talk about ‘Holiday Project’
  • Lorna Fernandez talked about the project for this year and announced that we will be focusing our project on the “Phoenix Housing Network”.  The center is currently assisting 5 families consisting of 7 adults and 20 children (ages 5-16).  The families spend anywhere from 3-6 months in the shelter and eventually "graduate" into their own apartment (one of 50 PHN's transitional housing units) where they continue to work with their case managers for 2 years.  Case managers work with the families on job skills, budgeting/finance, life skills and even nutrition classes.  Boxes for collection of items will be housed in different programs.  List of programs and contact person’s will be forthcoming.
• Professional Development
  • Lorna Fernandez announced three upcoming events for the Professional Development Task Force.  They will be: 
    • October 26, 12-1pm:  The Makah Indian Tribe with Alina Urbanec which will be held in the Pinkerton Conference Room.
    • November 14, 12-1:30pm: Pre-Thanksgiving film, ‘Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving’ and snacks.  Will also be brainstorming on ideas for staff appreciation.  BHS 106
    • December 18, 12-1:30:  UWT Staff Cookie Exchange and activities.  Will be held in the Tacoma Room.
• Strategic Planning Update/Feedback 
  • Naarah McDonald encouraged ‘all’ staff to give their feed back on the report and take time to do the survey.  Jim Coolsen attended as well to talk about the plan and to let us know that the planning will be continuous.  It our way of knowing how things such as the visions and goals have been met and carried through.  He also encouraged staff to give feed back via the catalyst survey.  Both Naarah and Jim agree that comments are very important to make good changes, to help create a better communication process across the campus.  
• Budget Committee Update
  • Kim Davenport discussed the budget issues letting us know they will be meeting soon.  They are learning about last years process and working on ways to simplify forms, etc.  Talking about more frequent town meetings held on campus.  And working out ways for a quicker turn around time. 

• Elections:  Positions to fill on Staff Association Board:
  • Jill Danseco discussed the three openings and encouraged staff to run or nominate someone to run.  The email for nominations will occur mid-November. 
    • Co-Chair -Term ends December 31, 2007
    • Elections Committee Chair- Term ends December 31, 2007
    • Secretary - Term ends December 31, 2007
• Other items
  • No other items were discussed.

Meeting adjourned.